Field of Interest

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Fashion Merchandising and Design prepares students for entry-level positions in fashion merchandising. Students acquire a basic knowledge of textiles, clothing construction, display and visual merchandising, and the fashion industry. The program offers opportunities for students to select courses that reflect a special area of interest such as business management, advertising, or fashion illustration.

Details

Important information you’ll need when applying to MCC:

Academic Career

Credit

Degree/Certificate Type

Career and Technical Associate Degree

Academic Plan

Fashion Merchandising and Design (AAS)

Academic Plan Code

3260

Total Credits Required

60-67

Catalog Year

2020-2021

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Determine social and psychological factors that affect clothing choices and behaviors.

Identify and assess the economic, political, and historical factors which influence the changing pattern of fashion.

Read, interpret, and apply concepts from trade journals, newspapers, and other sources of trade information on a regular basis.

Identify and select specific merchandise which will satisfy the needs and wants of potential customers.

Recognize and evaluate the quality of construction features and material used in approval items.

Explain the sewing process and use of pressing equipment and sewing tools appropriately when constructing apparel.

Identify fabric and its performance characteristics which consumers want in the use and care of merchandise.

Explain the properties, use, and care of textile fibers, including variations on weaves as they relate to appearance, strength, serviceability, use, and care.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Wholesale and Retail Buyers

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$29.00

Annual Median Wage

$60,330

Annual Job Openings

618

Number of People Employed

5,338

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 4.2%

* Career and wage information provided by Emsi using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Emsi’s proprietary analytical processes. Emsi’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.

The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.

Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.

Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include AAA/CPD150, AAA/CPD150AC, CPD104, and AAA115/CPD115. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

When to Start Taking Classes

It is suggested that you begin taking the courses found in this course sequence starting in a Fall Semester.

Prerequisites: (A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107) and (appropriate reading placement test score or a grade of C or better in RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or permission of Instructor). or Prerequisites: Reading Asset test score, or grade of C or better in RDG100, or permission of Instructor.

OR equivalent as indicated by assessment

CR

3

Spring Semester (Term 4)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Spring Semester (Term 4)

Prerequisites: Completion of at least twelve (12) college credits, minimum 2.6 grade point average, and be able to obtain a position related to student's academic or career goals (student's present job may qualify); or permission of Instructor.

RE

1

Program Electives

Select 6 to 9 credits from the following courses to meet the Restricted Elective requirements.

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Course Area Key

COM = Oral Communication

CR = Critical Reading

FYC = First Year Composition

HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design

MA = Mathematics

NS = Natural Science

RC = Required Course

RE = Restricted Elective

SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of "C" or better for all Required Courses (RC).

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Mesa Community College provides outstanding transfer and career and technical programs, workforce development, and life-long learning opportunities to residents of the East Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona.